Washing Machine Drawer Assembly With Integrated Retaining Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with drawer retaining devices are complex to assemble, require metal parts that are prone to corrosion, and have issues with residual detergent agents remaining in the drawer.
Innovation Solution
A single-body releasable retaining device integrated with the supporting structure, featuring a catch portion and operative portion, eliminates the need for separate metal components and simplifies assembly, with a resilient attachment portion and L-shaped catch portion for easy operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-biased safety catch arm with bolt and nut connection is used to prevent accidental drawer removal, then the drawer can be securely retained, but the assembly complexity increases and metal parts are prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is merged with the supporting structure as a single integral component, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and spring assemblies. The support structure itself forms the retaining arm with integrated engagement features, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces durable but complex metal spring mechanisms with a simpler plastic or composite retaining structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble. The retaining arm is designed as a simple geometric feature of the support structure rather than a separate mechanical component.
2Reliability
If metal parts are used in the retaining device, then the drawer can be securely held, but the metal parts are easily subjected to contact drops of washing agents or water causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is constructed from non-metallic materials such as plastic or composite materials that are inherently resistant to corrosion from washing agents and water. The support structure and retaining arm are formed from the same corrosion-resistant material, eliminating metal corrosion issues while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the retaining device is located in a position not easily reachable, then the drawer can be securely retained, but the assembly time increases due to difficult access for bolting
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is integrated into the support structure as an integral feature rather than a separate component requiring bolting. The support structure itself forms the retaining arm with molded-in engagement features, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and reducing assembly time.
4Reliability
If a complex retaining device with multiple components is used, then the drawer can be securely retained, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is merged with the supporting structure as a single body component. The support structure includes integrated retaining arms with engagement features molded directly into the plastic or composite material, eliminating the need for separate metal parts, springs, and fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves dual functions: providing structural support and forming the retaining device. The same component that supports the drawer also provides the retention mechanism through integrated geometric features, eliminating the need for separate retaining components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces assembly complexity, eliminates metal parts, and ensures easy operation of the retaining device, preventing accidental drawer removal while maintaining precise movement control without obstructing sliding, thus enhancing user safety and machine durability.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment portion, resilient and pivotally connecting the catch portion and the operative portion to the rest of the supporting structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A washing machine (100) comprises a drawer (1) comprising at least one compartment (10a, 10b, 10c) for receiving an agent for treating laundry, a supporting structure (2) on which the drawer can slide and comprising a releasable retaining device (3) delimiting a movement of the drawer, wherein the retaining device comprises a catch portion (31) adapted to engage with a stopping element (13) of the drawer and an operative portion (30) operable in order to disengage the catch portion and projecting from the supporting structure. The releasable retaining device is formed as a single body with the supporting structure.